Mary Austin Will Auction Off Freddie Mercury’s Possessions

The closest friend of the late Queen singer Freddie Mercury is putting the rocker’s most personal possessions up for auction.

Before Mercury’s passing in 1991, he left his London home, Garden Lodge, and all his belongings to Mary Austin. She kept the place and all the things inside it almost exactly as the icon left it for more than three decades.

Items that are up for bidding include handwritten lyrics, his replica crown, stage costumes, and paintings. The treasure trove of 1,500 pieces will be exhibited in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong before six auctions take place in August and September.

Austin said in a statement:

“For many years now, I have had the joy and privilege of living surrounded by all the wonderful things that Freddie sought out and so loved.

“But the years have passed, and the time has come for me to take the difficult decision to close this very special chapter in my life.”

She added:

“Freddie was an incredible and intelligent collector who showed us that there is beauty and fun and conversation to be found in everything.

“I hope [the upcoming events] will be an opportunity to share all the many facets of Freddie, both public and private, and for the world to understand more about, and celebrate, his unique and beautiful spirit.”

In an interview with the BBC, she noted the pages of lyrics and musical notes will be the hardest to let go, explaining:

“You’re looking at the process of the artist, of work in progress.

“The crossings out, the rethinking, the reformatting. … I decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to keep things back. If I was going to sell, I had to be brave and sell the lot.”

While the sales boss David MacDonald for the auction house, Sotheby, stated:

“Freddie Mercury’s collection is a manifestation of one extraordinary man’s creativity, taste and unerring eye for beauty, presenting so much more than just an exquisite selection of the very best examples by artists across centuries and countries. Like a Russian doll, Garden Lodge has revealed its layers of treasures over recent months, with the rich tapestry of objects we have discovered there taking us all on a glorious adventure through his imagination. Opening the door to the very special place that was Freddie Mercury’s home offers us the ultimate backstage pass into his world.”

The sale is expected to get up to a $7.4 million bid. Some of the profits will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John Aids Foundation.